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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of London's historic financial district at 10 Paternoster Square, The Happenstance offers a vibrant and eclectic dining experience that combines classic British comfort food with a contemporary twist. This lively restaurant is renowned for its inviting atmosphere, perfect for both casual lunches and sophisticated dinners. With its prime location near iconic landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, it attracts a diverse crowd of locals, tourists, and business professionals seeking a memorable culinary escape.

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After ordering our coffee, had to wait 30 min to order after we asked.  Ordered a standard Eggs Benedict.  English muffin was barely toasted, ham was lunch meat and cold, eggs not salted, and sauce had no taste.  Good location, terrible food and service.  Avoid!

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I knew we would be near Saint Paul's Cathedral for lunch, so the research began. The internet graciously led me to Happenstance. We went the day of, so didn't make a reservation. Our part of 2 arrived just after noon and got the last table available. After we sat down, everyone was getting turned away. So, make sure you get a reservation in advance. I ordered the rainbow bowl and it was amazing! So tasty and filling. My mother ordered the fish and chips. Delicious and filling as well. The restaurant was adorable and decorated to perfection. Next time we are back in London, there's no doubt we will return.

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Went here on a busy Tuesday afternoon, and it was packed outside. We were able to place our order quite quickly and the food came out in a reasonable amount of time. Our food was very good and we were especially happy with the buttermilk chicken burgers. However what was displeasing to us was when we asked for more ketchup we never received any. Also there was a bee flying around our table for awhile (not at the fault of the place but definitely something to note). Also when it was time to pay the bill we sat around for 30 minutes after we'd finished before finally needing to ask for it. Overall the food was good, but the service was mediocre.

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Easily one of the loudest restaurants you'll visit in London, it has the noise level of a pub on a Sunday night at peak times, mixed with the poshness of a 5-Star restaurant situated in one of the city's most expensive districts. It is usually always crowded after 5PM, and being that it's the after-work drinking spot for the local business people, simple conversation is a no-go. 

I was always drawn to this place for it's fancy atmosphere and clever marketing touting the unique and enchanting cocktails, as well as its top-quality food. I am sad to say, however, that none of it lived up to the hype. If you're planning to grab a bite to eat for dinner,  reservations are a MUST, and highly recommended at least a day in advance. Given that the Google reviews were warning me against the burgers, I asked the waiter for his best recommendation and he suggested I get the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger with Chipotle Mayo, and an order sweet potato fries thrown in for good measure. It was all good; nothing to write home about. The flavor in the burger mostly came from the chipotle mayo, which could hardly be called spicy. And true to the reviews, the fries were on the softer/ soggy side.

The cocktails, while interesting on paper, were hardly above standard-quality. The Espresso Martini was "meh," the 'Art Gallery,' while perfectly sweet and creamy took 15 minutes to make and less time to drink- even when taking really small sips. The 'Good Night Out' was the fanciest of the bunch, with Tanqueray 10 Gin, Crème de Mûre, lemon, and gold shimmer; also not as enchanting as advertised, but a good refreshing way to finish off a heavy meal.

The one good thing I'll say about this place is that while packed and overly-noisy, the food and drinks aren't as expensive as they could be, given that this joint is in one of the priciest parts of the city. And, what better way to end your evening after catching a free mass at St. Paul's Cathedral next door? You do, however, get what you pay for, so don't get too excited.

The final downside: Due to the high volume of customers, the service tends to be pretty slow; however, that doesn't stop them from limiting your table time to 2 hours, despite taking forever to take your orders. In short, don't get too comfortable.

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Entire staff with bad attitudes and bad service from right when we walked in. Would never come here again. Garbage!

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The food at this place is great, and the specialty drinks are a must try.  I would recommend a visit when in London.

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What a great find (thanks to our local friends)! Tucked in with a few other places, the bar & grill is definitely on the classier side and in a great location. 

Even though I was only there for drinks -- the food menu looked good. As for drinks, I felt the wine menu was solid. 

Overall the place had a great vibe, good crowd and fun music. I will defintely revisit.

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Solid food! I had the sirloin with chips and Bernaise sauce. The Bernaise was lovely and silky. The steak was perfectly cooked. And while the chips were a bit thicker than I prefer, they were tasty, and remained hot throughout the meal. It might be nice if they carried more English lagers. As an American I would prefer to drink local lagers. When I go to Italy I drink Peroni but that's not what I want to drink in London. The missing star is the result of the restaurant only making their burgers well done. A burger was my initial choice until I learned that. So that one thing cost them a star on my book. Compared to the "steakhouse" dinner I had tonight which was rubbish, my steak here was perfection!

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Great relaxing vibe, and fantastic charcuterie board!    Dry food wine at just the right temperature.  So many times I order a nice full bodied red, and disappointed when it's served cold.  Not here, perfect temperature!  Well priced, great service and good people, will make you want to come back.  When the weather is nice and you are down to people watch, do sit outside and enjoy the fresh air!

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One of the greatest breakfasts I've ever had in a perfect location! Everything we had to eat was spectacular, from the English breakfast to the pancakes. The restaurant is situated in a perfect location just a few steps from St. Paul's Cathedral, yet it's separated enough to escape the noise and bustle of the tourists and the main road. The service was excellent as well. Overall it was a fantastic experience and meal and I would highly recommend it!

The Happenstance: Top London Restaurant near St. Paul's Cathedral

Welcome to The Happenstance, a vibrant hub nestled in the heart of London at 10 Paternoster Square. This stylish restaurant and bar blend classic British charm with modern sophistication, offering an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.

Discover the culinary charm of The Happenstance in London

Explore our diverse menu offerings, crafted to delight every palate. From hearty starters to indulgent desserts, complemented by an impressive selection of drinks, The Happenstance promises a memorable dining experience.

Begin your journey with our tantalizing starters and shareable plates that set the tone for an exceptional meal.

Main courses highlight a variety of British classics and innovative creations, perfect for a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

Indulge in our delightful desserts, offering the perfect sweet conclusion to your meal with options that satisfy every craving.

Complement your meal with our curated selection of drinks, from inventive cocktails to fine wines and craft beers, ensuring a perfect pairing for every dish.

Join us at The Happenstance for a culinary experience that combines the best of British tradition with contemporary flair. Whether you're here for a quick bite or a leisurely feast, our menu and ambiance promise to leave a lasting impression.

Discover The Happenstance in London for a vibrant dining experience amid historic charm. Savor delicious cuisine in a chic setting—book your table now!

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